Hanukkah Goes Beyond the Latke

By

Charles Passy

Dec 8, 2012 11:21 am ET

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Has the latke met its match?

Hanukkah starts tonight, which means it’s time for the frying to begin. The eight-day Jewish holiday celebrates light – and by extension, the oil used to fuel the bright flame. So, fried potato pancakes – latkes in Yiddish – have their place alongside candle oil.

But there are plenty of other foods in the fried universe. And increasingly, the donut – specifically, the Hanukkah-themed filled donut known as sufganiyot in Israel – is spreading to America as a kind of latke alternative.

Really, we’re talking a jelly donut – somewhat ball-shaped in the Israeli tradition, but a jelly donut nonetheless. In the United States, several kosher bakeries and cafes have added them to their seasonal menu. And even Dunkin’ Donuts has gotten in on the act – its jelly-filled donuts and Munchkins are offered year-round at its 7,000-plus locations, but the chain does point out it has more than 40 kosher locations and also offers a “Happy Hanukkah” virtual gift card.

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